City Council Meeting

CITY OF GRAND PRAIRIE CITY COUNCIL MEETING CITY HALL - COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 300 W. MAIN STREET TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2021 AT 4:30 PM MINUTES CALL TO ORDER Mayor Jensen called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. PRESENT Mayor Ron Jensen Mayor Pro Tem Jorja Clemson Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Mike Del Bosque Council Member John Lopez Council Member Cole Humphreys Council Member Jeff Wooldridge Council Member Jeff Copeland Council Member Greg Giessner STAFF PRESENTATIONS 1. Update on Redistricting for 2020 Census - Presented by David Mendez, Bickerstaff Heath Delgado Acosta LLP Deputy City Manager Cheryl De Leon introduced David Mendez with Bickerstaff Heath Delgado Acosta, LLP, who presented information on redistricting and discussed the impact of the Census delay. He advised data would not be available earlier than September 30, 2021; and due to this delay, what is normally a thirteen-month process would have to be accomplished in roughly seven months. He noted Council Districts Two and Four are up for election in May 2022, and the redistricting process would need to be completed by December 2021 because candidates will begin to file for election to office in January 2022. Mr. Mendez noted the Primary election schedule drives the counties’ redistricting process and advised legislative bills have been filed to adjust 2022 Primary Election dates. Mr. Mendez presented his 2021 Redistricting Timeline for an entity with a May 7, 2022 Election based on Census Bureau release of data by September 30, 2021. He advised a Council workshop pertaining to redistricting would be held in late Summer 2021. Council Member Lopez asked if the Census Bureau could still add individuals who were not previously counted. Mr. Mendez said the date for doing that closed in the middle of October 2020 and that the Supreme Court ruled they did not need to add more. He also noted there is an ability to challenge the data for errors in reporting. Council Member Lopez asked if the workshop would be held as an executive session or open to the public. City Attorney Megan Mahan advised it would be an open session with public comment opportunities. Mr. Mendez said a set of guidelines would be set at the workshop for public input. City Council Meeting – March 16, 2021 Page 1 of 9  Presented 2. Discussion on Atmos’ Methodologies and Operations in Grand Prairie During Severe Weather Event Mr. Dye advised Kelly Biegler who is Grand Prairie’s Atmos representative was not able to attend due to corporate policy but has replied to all requests during the winter storm and thereafter. Mayor Jensen advised forty-eight percent of our power generation systems went down during the storm. Atmos Representative Orin Walker and Atmos Director of Operations Scott McCracken discussed Atmos’ methodologies and operations in Grand Prairie during severe weather event and noted thirty-six of their employees also live in Grand Prairie. They indicated there were fourteen hundred customers in their system with similar outages as those in Grand Prairie, two hundred fourteen were Grand Prairie customers. They mentioned there are twenty-nine thousand customers in Grand Prairie. Mr. McCracken said they started winter preparedness the previous spring for this year and over two million dollars of improvements were made after the 2011 event. Council Member Copeland thanked Atmos for owning up to the event and for taking necessary steps. Council Member Wooldridge asked how Atmos is advised of new development customers. Planning Department Director Rashad Jackson noted that Atmos is built in the development process. Council Member Lopez requested more advanced communication notice from Atmos when such an event is unfolding. Mr. Walker said they implemented direct text messaging providing information but admitted they do need to improve communication efforts. Council Member Giessner asked which other areas were similarly affected. Mr. McCracken confirmed Arlington and Southlake were also down around the same time and advised phone calls were being fielded and their employees were on the ground shortly thereafter. He added that some customers had gas services but their igniter was electric, so people thought they did not have gas services. Presented 3. COVID-19 Update Deputy City Manager Steve Dye advised local Covid-19 cases are trending down and acknowledged efforts of the Environmental Services Department staff in providing vaccination registration assistance. He advised the vaccine would be more widely available by April and informed the city’s provision of first doses will phase out by the end of this month with second doses being provided by then end of April. Emergency Management Coordinator Chase Wheeler provided a vaccination site update indicating that three-thousand vehicles attended the drive-thru event and approximately two thousand first or second doses are expected to be administered each week. Mayor Jensen and Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Clemson recognized Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) for assisting in providing the Theater at Grand Prairie site for these efforts. Dye added that there are a number of entities that will be recognized soon for their assistance and efforts. Mr. Dye discussed the latest stimulus package – The American Rescue Plan – indicating five billion dollars of one-time funds would be allocated towards homelessness and noting that Grand Prairie may receive one-million, nine-hundred thirty-six thousand, nine-hundred fifty-three dollars of that funding. He also noted local governments would receive 37.54 million dollars from the treasury department from the 1.9 trillion-dollar stimulus package and advised staff would receive clarification in the next couple of weeks of how funds can be used. He said staff would then prepare a preliminary budget for Council consideration and provide recommendations and options for partner agencies which would be City Council Meeting – March 16, 2021 Page 2 of 9  tracked via reporting and accounting. Council Member Lopez noted he would like electric charging stations to be considered. Presented AGENDA REVIEW Mayor Pro Tem Clemson asked if Council had any questions on Consent agenda items six through nineteen. There were no questions. Council Member Giessner acknowledged the city's Finance team for their efforts in providing a great annual comprehensive financial report. EXECUTIVE SESSION Mayor Jensen called a closed executive session at 5:31 p.m. pursuant to Chapter 551, Subchapter D of the Government Code, V.T.C.A., to discuss Section 551.072 “Deliberation Regarding Real Property” and Section 551.087 “Deliberations Regarding Economic Development Negotiations.” RECESS MEETING Mayor Jensen closed the executive session, opened the public meeting and called a recess at 6:30 p.m. REGULAR MEETING Mayor Jensen reconvened the regular meeting at 6:39 p.m. Mayor Pro Tem Jorja Clemson led the invocation. Council Member Greg Giessner led the pledge of allegiance to the US Flag and Texas Flag. PRESENTATIONS 3. Presentation of Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for fiscal year 2019 Council Member Giessner acknowledge the Finance and Budget teams for their efforts in financial reporting. Finance Director Becky Brooks introduced City of Euless Finance Director Janina Jewell who presented the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for fiscal year ending 2019 to City Controller Susan Sanders. She noted this is the 35th time Grand Prairie has achieved this recognition. Presented 4. Proclamation Acknowledging DeMolay Month Council Member Giessner presented the DeMolay proclamation for their 102nd anniversary. Presented CONSENT AGENDA City Council Meeting – March 16, 2021 Page 3 of 9  Council Member Giessner advised that a new information link would be placed on the city’s webpage entitled “Government 101” to help inform citizens by providing answers to simple questions about various topics involving city government. Mayor Jensen recognized Harold Willis of 538 Lindly who inquired about the funding source and purpose for Public Improvement District (PID) cameras as noted in agenda item thirteen on the agenda. Mr. Dye and Chief Daniel Scesney commented that the PID’s are purchasing surveillance cameras and other equipment to increase public safety efforts. Chief Scesney advised this tool is not used for immigration enforcement. Mr. Willis spoke in support of agenda item thirteen. He asked if this ambulance could be funded by the American Rescue Plan and if would have four-wheel drive. Mr. Dye said the American Rescue Plan fund would only be used if a purchase meets requirements and if it is appropriate, and he confirmed the ambulance would be four-wheel drive. Mayor Pro Tem Clemson moved, seconded by Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Del Bosque, to approve Consent Agenda items six through nineteen. Motion carried unanimously. 6. Minutes of the March 2, 2021, and March 8, 2021, City Council Meetings Approved on Consent Agenda 7. Price Agreement for publication of legal notices from Fort Worth Star-Telegram (up to $75,000.00 annually). This agreement will be for one year with the option to renew for four additional one-year periods totaling $375,000 if all extensions are exercised. Authorize the City Manager to execute the renewal options with aggregate price fluctuations of the lesser of up to $50,000 or 25% of the original maximum price so long as sufficient funding is appropriated by the City Council to satisfy the City’s obligation during the renewal terms Approved on Consent Agenda 8. Price Agreement for Recycling Services for City Facilities from Balcones (up to $30,420 annually). This agreement will be for one year with the option to renew for four additional one-year periods totaling $151,000 if all extensions are exercised. Authorize the City Manager to execute the renewal options with aggregate price fluctuations of the lesser of up to $50,000 or 25% of the original maximum price so long as sufficient funding is appropriated by the City Council to satisfy the City’s obligation during the renewal terms. Approved on Consent Agenda 9. Lake Parks PID Contract with Johnson Construction Services for walking path construction in the amount of $120,857.16 (Council Districts 4 and 6) Approved on Consent Agenda 10. Price Agreement Renewal for maintenance and repairs of Motorola Equipment from DFW Communications (Crosspoint Communications) through a national inter-local agreement with Buyboard at an estimated annual cost of $60,000.00 for one year with the option to renew for two additional one-year periods totaling $180,000.00. Authorize the City Manager to execute the renewal options with aggregate price fluctuations of the lesser of up to $50,000.00 or 25% of the original maximum price so long as sufficient funding is appropriated by the City Council to satisfy the City’s obligation during the renewal terms City Council Meeting – March 16, 2021 Page 4 of 9  Approved on Consent Agenda 11. Construction Contract with Iron T. Construction, Inc. for Johnson Creek Channel Floor and Bank Repairs, in the total amount of $772,735; material testing with Kleinfelder, Inc. in the amount of $9,753; and 5% construction contract contingency in the amount of $38,637; In- House labor in the amount of $38,637 for a total project cost of $859,762 Approved on Consent Agenda 12. Forum Estates PID Two Year Contract with Flock Group, Inc. for license plate recognition cameras with pole installation for $27,500 annually; contract totals $52,500; authorize City Manager to execute (Council District 4) Approved on Consent Agenda 13. Purchase one (1) ambulance through the HGAC contract from Frazer through the licensed franchised dealer, Mac Haik Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Houston, TX at a cost of $214,292.00 Approved on Consent Agenda 14. Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for Fiscal Year ending September 30, 2020 Approved on Consent Agenda 15. Price Agreement for Concrete Paving from Santos Construction, at an estimated annual cost of $10,787,885.20, with a secondary for McMahon Contracting at an annual cost of $11,415,875.95, a tertiary with New Star Grading & Paving with an annual cost of $14,485,955.30 and a fourth to Urban Infraconstruction at an annual cost of $18,786,495.15. All agreements will be for one year with the option to renew for four additional one year periods totaling $53,939,426.50 for Santos Construction, $57,079,379.75 with McMahon Contracting, $72,429,977.50 with New Star Grading and Paving and $93,932,475.75 with Urban Infraconstruction, if all extensions are exercised; and authorize the City Manager to execute the renewal options with aggregate price fluctuations of the lesser of up to $50,000 or 25% of the original maximum price so long as sufficient funding is appropriated by the City Council to satisfy the City’s obligation during the renewal term Approved on Consent Agenda 16. Authorize contingency transfer of $15,000 for agreement with Dallas County Elections Department to conduct the May 1, 2021, Joint General and Special Bond Elections; authorize any future contingency transfers as needed to fund the contract, up to $185,000 annually Approved on Consent Agenda 17. Authorize contingency transfer of $67,533 to amend agreement with Dallas County Elections to conduct the March 27, 2021, Council District 2 Special Runoff Election; authorize any future contingency transfers as needed to fund contracts with Dallas County and Tarrant County Elections for up to $185,000 annually Approved on Consent Agenda City Council Meeting – March 16, 2021 Page 5 of 9  18. Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a master inter-local purchasing agreement between the City of Grand Prairie and the City of Hewitt, Texas Adopted RES 5159-2021 19. Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a Master Agreement Governing Major Capital Improvement Program with Dallas County Adopted RES 5160-2021 PUBLIC HEARING ZONING APPLICATIONS 20. Z201202/CP201201 - Zoning Change/Concept Plan - The Lofts at Grand Prairie (City Council District 4). Zoning Change and Concept Plan to rezone 26.3 acres from A to a Planned Development District for Multi-Family Use (The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended denial of this request by a vote of 7-0-1) Chief City Planner Savannah Ware provided this project update noting the applicant volunteered to pay for Day Miar road improvements which would cost approximately 2.2 million dollars. She noted staff’s primary objection to the plan is due to its conflict with the Future Land Use Map. Council Member Copeland asked if there are any issues with the previously stated variances. Planning Director Rashad Jackson confirmed the only issue is with the conflict of the Future Land Use Map. Council Member Lopez asked how much the project would cost. The developer advised the project would cost one hundred ten million dollars to be constructed within a year. Council Member Lopez asked how many variances currently exist. Ms. Ware discussed the noted variances. Council Member Lopez moved, seconded by Council Member Copeland, to close the public hearing and approve the zoning change and concept plan with noted variances three through six and with the construction of Day Miar Road as confirmed by the developer. The motion carried unanimously. Adopted ORD 10968-2021 21. SU210201/S210201 - Specific Use Permit/Site Plan - Lone Star Off Road Park (City Council District 1). Specific Use Permit/Site Plan for an Outdoor Amusement Services use on 128.18 acres. The proposed Lone Star Off Road Park will accommodate four-wheel, off-road vehicles. Tracts 14 and 14.2, Isreal Jennings Survey, Abstract No. 679, City of Grand Prairie, Dallas County, Texas, zoned Light Industrial, and addressed as 1921 and 2401 Hunter Ferrell Rd. (The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval by a vote of 8-0) Ms. Ware reviewed this site plan which will allow four-wheel drive and off-road vehicles. She noted the park entrance and signage requirements and discussed the applicant proposed trailer parking on the unimproved surface. Ms. Ware informed that the site is undevelopable due to City Council Meeting – March 16, 2021 Page 6 of 9  the extensive flood plain and advised the proposed use is temporary in nature. She reviewed the variances and stated that the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Development Review Committee both recommended approval. Council Member Copeland advised he toured the site and described the trails and nearby Bear Creek. Council Member Lopez asked what type of vehicle is needed to drive through. Council Member Copeland said he drove a Jeep and Razor through there. Council Member Humphreys asked for clarity on security efforts at the site. Ken Schaumburg, 8430 Blue Heron Court, advised there would be six local police officers and fulltime staff on site when the facility is open. Council Member Giessner asked if a liability policy is in place and Mr. Schaumburg confirmed there is. Mayor Pro Tem Clemson thanked Council Member Copeland for introducing her to Mr. Schaumburg who took her on a tour of the location. Council Member Copeland moved to close public hearing and approve, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Clemson, the specific use permit and site plan as presented. The motion carried unanimously. Adopted ORD 10969-2021 22. TA210101 - Text Amendment to Article 10: Parking and Loading Standards and Article 30: Definitions of the Unified Development Code to revise the parking requirements and definitions regarding auto related businesses (The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval by a vote of 8-0) Ms. Ware presented this text amendment related to parking requirements for auto related businesses. She advised current standards were creating issues, so the Planning Department worked with Environmental Services and Code Compliance to revise the Unified Development Code, and she reviewed the proposed changes to Article 30. Ms. Ware noted the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Development Review Committee both recommended approval. Council Member Humphreys asked if this was discussed in the auto related business meetings. Ms. Ware advised once the change is made, they would educate the businesses of those changes and noted current businesses would not be affected. She advised new businesses would need to adhere to the changes. Council Member Lopez asked if this would affect a business expanding with the addition of employees who would need to parking. Ms. Ware explained it is geared at problems involving a life-safety issue. Mr. Jackson advised there are allowances for administrative approvals. Council Member Wooldridge moved, seconded by Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Del Bosque, to close the public hearing, and approve this item. The motion carried unanimously. Adopted ORD 10970-2021 23. Z210101/CP210101 - Zoning Change/Concept Plan – PD-174 to Duplexes at 720 W. Polo Road (City Council District 6). Zoning Change and Concept Plan for creating a Planned Development District with a base zoning of Single Family Attached on 2.91 acres. Tract 11.3, Thomas J. Tone Survey, Abstract No. 1046, City of Grand Prairie, Dallas County, Texas, zoned City Council Meeting – March 16, 2021 Page 7 of 9  PD-174, located northeast of Robinson Road and Polo Road, and addressed as 720 W. Polo Road (Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of this request by a vote of 8- 0) Ms. Ware described the zoning change request and reviewed the concept plan, presenting the proposed development plan with no variances and displayed photos of proposed elevations. She indicated staff does not recommend approval because it conflicts with Future Land Use Map. Council Member Wooldridge noted the elevation on the left side of the photo is his preference. The developer was in attendance and advised these type homes are currently built in the Dallas Fort Worth area. Council Member Humphreys asked if the homes are for sale or lease. The developer confirmed they would be for sale. Council Member Giessner asked staff if the zoning change may be tabled to consider conceptual plans. Mr. Jackson confirmed it could. Council Member Copeland asked staff not to bring forward future zoning change items unless conceptual plans are available. Mr. Jackson noted the request. The developer said he would be going with the preferred elevation plan if approved. Mayor Jensen advised he prefers that all homes do not look identical. Council Member Copeland asked the developer to return providing details of what all the units would look like. Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Del Bosque asked if the developer would be providing a concept plan. The developer confirmed. Ms. Mahan said a site plan should be based on a concept plan. Council Member Lopez asked the developer to identify himself and asked if this area would be within a homeowner’s association or a public improvement district. Ms. Ware advised it has to be one or the other or both. Council Member Wooldridge moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Clemson, to table item for one month. Motion carried unanimously. Tabled ITEMS FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION 24. Board and Commission Appointments City Secretary Mona Lisa Galicia presented an application received from Ken Self to serve on the Planning and Zoning Commission. Council Member Greg Giessner noted a vacancy and moved to approve, seconded by Council Member Copeland, the board appointment. Motion carried unanimously. Approved CITIZEN COMMENTS Vidal Pena, Jr., 2505 Lisa Street, spoke in opposition to having trash carts in the city noting he is a letter carrier in Dallas and advised they are a nuisance. Carla Carlson, 4556 Knights Crossing, stated she enjoys events and volunteer opportunities in the city, and she is not anti-progress but enjoys open spaces and would like to see more destination shopping. Harold Willis, 538 Lindly, stated he advocates for candidate Frank Gonzalez for City Council. City Council Meeting – March 16, 2021 Page 8 of 9 ADJOURNMENT Mayor Jensen adjourned the meeting at 7:51 p.m. The foregoing minutes were approved at the April 6, 2021, City Council meeting. ________________________________________ Mona Lisa Galicia, City Secretary City Council Meeting – March 16, 2021 Page 9 of 9